Photographer's Note

Good Morning Everyone,

This is Marksburg Castle.

Marksburg Castle is the only hill castle on the Rhine that has never been destroyed. It has been lived in for over 700 years and thus represents an ever-changing and developing building complex that has been growing into its present shape over the centuries.

On the Rhine's right bank, upstream from its junction with the Mosel, a hill rises above the town of Braubach. Crowning the hill is Marksburg Castle, its unusually slender keep towering above the surrounding courts and ramparts.
Beginning with the construction of the keep in the 12th century, the castle grew into its present shape throughout succeeding centuries. In the Middle Ages, the strengthening of the castle's defences became essential and urgent by improvements made to firearms. Huge outworks date from this time, as does the conversion of a gateway in the outer wall to a strong bastion. It is mainly due to these extra defence works that the castle was never seriously attacked. In more peaceful times, it was used mainly as a state prison.
Now you can visit the most original castle in the entire valley of the Loreley. This impressive castle, home of the German Castles Association set up to preserve such ancient monuments, presents a host of fascinating artefacts that brings the Middle Ages to life.

Hi Bev,
A very impressive castle. There are indeed a lot of them along this part of the river. We stayed two night in September a bit south from here but we must have passed here by train, heading for Koblenz. This is a very fine capture from far below and an interesting note!
Kind regards
Gunnar

Hi Bev,
How rare to come across such a place that has never been tainted by the destruction of war, and so nice to hear considering how magical a building this is. Your composition is perfect, placed as it is high up in the frame it gives excellent emphasis to the height of its position. It looks like a fairy tale style castle too, although most do to me as my eyes are far too accustomed to blocky Norman styles :)
Beautiful clarity and colors too, really nice image. All the best
Noel

Hi Bev
my idea of how exactly a castle should look. Imposing and high on a hill overlooking the world. It looks other worldly, almost Disneyish, if there is such a word, in this superbly captured image. Love the contrast of greens, which seem to make the fortress shine out at us. Excellent!

hello bev. it is so nice to see the different styles of castles from around medieval europe. germans have this fairytale style, with long and elegant towers leaning to the heavens (and topping that style with the famous neuschwanstein), while the french "chateau"s look more robust and "ready for a fight". nice low POV from the rhine boat. i appreciate that you did not "overdramatize" the grey sky.

Good evening Beverly,
Did not get as far downstream to Koblenz on our Rhine cruise, so this tiome did not see this magnificent and prominent castle - however, I remember seeing it in 5/1980 my trip on train along.
Fabulous view while looking upwards, stretching necks for sure, around here...
Built on the most dominating top's.
Impressive sight, and pic. no less intriguing.
Best regards,
Ike

Hi Bev, great view of this interesting castle, nice composition very well captured with a great pov with nice picture. An interesting image of a nice place, with good sharpness, depth, light and beautiful color. Excellent job perfectly done, congratulations my friend. Thanks for sharing this beautiful work.

Good night and happy rest of the week.
Warm greetings from southern Spain.
Angel.

namaste, a beautiful view of the castle at the top of the woods. A nice composition using a low angular POV. Excellent depth. Natural colours and fine light made it pleasant to see. Very well done. Tfs.
S

Hi Beverley,
Marvellous photo. The perfectly lit castle is an excellent focal point of this photo. There is a great use of depth of field to hold the viewer in the foreground trees & rocks as well as the castle in BG, and the excellent lighting conditions have allowed for very good color saturation. The overall impact is very strong. Very well done.
Well done.
Wish you a very nice weekend.
Greetings,
Miro